Machine for producing records on statistical cards



March 17, i936. C W GREGQRY ET AL 2,@34-,34

ECORDS ON STATISTICAL CARDS MACHINE FOR PRODUCING R Filed March 2, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet l fill@ March l?, E936; gg

EcoRDs oN STATISTICAL CARDS C. W. GREGORY ET AL MACHINE FOR PRODUCING R 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 2, 1935 Mch E7, Q@ Q W. GREGQRY E T AL 2,934,341

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING RECORDS ON STATISTICAL CARDS Filed March 2, 1955 I 'Il 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 17, 1936. C, W GREGORY ET AL g MACHINE FOR PRODUCING RECORDS ON STATISTICAL CARDS Filed March 2, 1935- 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Mar. 17, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR PRODUCING RECORDS ON STATISTICAL CARDS ited, London, England Application March 2, 1935, Serial No. 9,122 In Great Britain March 6, 1934 8 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for producing records on statistical cards.

In making records on statistical cards as for example by punching holes therein, systems have been employed according to which a single hole in a column indicated one amount while the same hole, together with a second hole in the same column, indicated a dii'lerent amount. By this means the length of column required was reduced and card space was saved.

The object of the present invention is to provide a machine for forming two or more independent sets of records on a single card, whereby the operation of producing such records is simplied and the time consumed is reduced.

A further object of the invention is to provide.

a machine for producing records on statistical cards comprising a set of record-forming elements, a pair of parallel bars fixed longitudinally between which the card can be disposed, means for feeding the card step by step between the bars and under the record-forming elements, and means for moving the parallel bars to one of a number of positions whereby the record-forming elements are caused to operate on a different longitudinal section of the card in accordance with the position to which the parallel bars have been set.

For example, if the card is of the usual form, having 45 columns, the parallel bars are set to one position and the card is fed step by step under the record-forming elements. These latter occupy a space equivalent to only half the width of the card, so that as the card is fed, the record-forming elements operate over half the card only. When this half of the card has been operated upon, the parallel bars are then displaced to bring the other half of the card under the record-forming elements, which then pro.- ceed to operate on that half of the card. By this means the card is virtually divided into two cards, each having 45 columns, so that the card has in effect 90 columns.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example a preferred embodiment.

In this preferred construction the invention is applied to a machine for forming records by 50 punching holes in the card.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device.

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof.

Fig. 3 is an end view looking from the left in Fig. l.

Fig. 4 is a section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5 shows on an enlarged scale the punch operating mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view show- 10 ing the punch operating mechanism and Fig. '7 .is a side elevation of said mechanism.

In the drawings like references designate the same or similar parts.

In this construction, the machine comprises a 15 bed plate l across which is secured a bridge or frame 2 carrying a series of punches 3 and punch operating elements such as bars 4 and levers 5a, 5b, the latter being actuated by keys B carried in a frame l. The machine as described is intended 20 for use in punching sterling monetary amounts and, therefore, has eleven keys 6. There are, however, only six punches 3, which are connected to the keys 6 to produce the following result.

Each of the keys 5a representing even num- 25 bers-2, 4, 6, 8 and i0, is directly .connected to its corresponding punch 3 so that depression of any one of these keys 6 punches a single hole in the card column, which is under the column of punches. 30

Each of the keys 5b representing odd numbers-l, 3, 5, l and 9 however, is arranged to operate the punch 3 associated with the next higher even number and in addition the punch associated with the number Il key, so that to 35 punch the value l, a hole in the 2 position and a hole in the ll position are punched and so on. The means whereby this result is effected may be of any known kind but is preferably of the form hereafter described. Each card has columns with l2 index point positions in each column.

Running the length of the bed plate is a parallel bar 8 and spaced therefrom by a distance equal to the width of the card is a second shorter bar 45 3a. These bars are connected at one end by a rack member l l and a similar rack member HJ is arranged at the other end of the longer bar 8. The function of these rack members will be hereinafter explained.

The other end of the bar 8a is connected to bar 8 by a bar member 8b carrying a roller 8c movable in a runway 8d in the bed plate I.

At each end of the bed plate is a pair of eccentric collar stops 9 so positioned relatively to the punches that when the parallel bar 8 is against the two stops at one side of the bed plate, one longitudinal half of the card is under the punches so that these can punch holes in the six index point positions in each column of this half of, the card.

By moving the parallel bars across the bed plate so that the other bar 8a and the free end of rack I0 are against the two stops 9 at the other side of the bed plate, the other longitudinal half of the card is brought beneath the punches, so that the latter can punch holes in the six index point positions in each column of this half of the card.

kIn order to move the parallel bars across the bed plate in this manner, the rack members Il) each engage with a gear wheel II mountedY on a shaft I2 running the length of the bed plate, there being thus a rack I0 at each end of the pair of parallel bars 8, 8a and a gear wheel II meshing with each rack. The gear wheels II are not fixed to the shaft I2 but each has attached to it a boss I3 having dogs I4 adapted to engage with corresponding dogs I5 provided on a collar I6 secured to the shaft I2. These dogs engage with a slight amount of play so that when the shaft is turned and the gear Wheels, driven through the dogs, move the racks and the parallel bars, the latter can adjust themselves to their eccentric collar stops 9, each end of the parallel bars being capable of a small movement independently of the other end whereby exact alignment and adjustment of the gear meshing is obviated. The eccentric collar stops 9 can of course be rotated to give any adjustment which may be necessary.

operatively connected to the parallel bars are springs I'I which act to hold the bars against their stops. Preferably these springs are compression springs connected to the gear wheels II as shown in the drawings and act after the manner of a toggle so that when the parallel bars pass beyond the mid position, the springs act to throw them over against the stops. The springs are disposed around guide rods I8 sliding through a hole in a pivoted member I9 as can be seen from Fig. 3 of the drawings. In order to operate the mechanism for moving the bars, the shaft may be provided with a handle 20 or with an operating wheel or the like.

VIn order to feed the cards under the punches a carriage 2I having an escapement mechanism of usual form is provided and attached to this carriage is a pusher 22 sliding in a groove 22a and acting on the rear edge of the card to push it forward step by step as the carriage is advanced. This pusher bears freely on the rear edge of the card so as not to interfere` with its movement when the parallel bars are displaced from one side to the other of the bed plate. There may also be provided at the leading edge of the card a holding member comprising a lightly sprung finger 23 under which the leading edge of the card may be inserted. This holding member, however, also does not interfere with the movement of, the card across the bed plate.

As stated above, the mechanism for actuating the punches may be of any known form but according to a further feature of the invention this mechanism may comprise a shaft 24 (Figs. 5, 6 and '7) to which is fixed an operating arm 25 for the 11 punch and on which are freely mounted operating arms for the remaining punches. These operating arms are comprised by the levers 5a, 5b the levers associated with consecutive odd and even numbers, being mounted side by side (i. e. I and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 'I and 8, 9 and I0). The even numbered levers 5a will operate their respective single punches and the odd numbered levers 5b will operate these same associated punches and also the No. ll punch as will appear from the following.

Fixed to the shaft is a series of collars 26 asrsociated with the odd numbered key levers 5b. Each of these levers 5b carries a projection 2'I overlying a step 28 in its associated collar 26 and thus is able totransmit, through the shaft, the necessary motion to the operating arm 25 of the number 1l punch.

. The punches 3 are freely mounted in guides 29 and each has a spring 30 tending to raise it. Above each punch is an actuating bar 4 of which Vone end is pivoted, as for example, by being mounted between point supports i. e. the tops of the punches 3 and pins 3l carried by the bridge 2. Of the two key levers 5a, 5b which are to actuate a single punch lever 5a carries a lug 32 acting on the actuating bar 4 near the free end thereof, while the other key lever 5b carries a laterally projecting pin 33 acting on the bar 4 nearer the pivoted end.

The actuating bar 4a for the number 11 punch is bent downwardly at the free end and is engaged by a pin 34 on the actuating arm 25.

Thus depression of an even numbered key actuates only its corresponding punch by reason of the lug 32 on the lever 5a depressing the corresponding actuating bar 4 and hence the punch 3 whereas depression of an odd numbered key actuates not only the punch corresponding to the next higher even numbered key by reason of the pin 33 depressing the corresponding bar 4 but also actuates the 11 punch through the collar 26 shaft 24 and arm 25.

One key lever is longer than the other to enable the keys to be spaced apart and since each key lever pivots about the same axis this would give rise to diierent leverages for the two keys, whereby the touch of one would be lighter than that of the other. The arrangement described above whereby one key lever acts on the punch actuating bar nearer to the pivot point of the latter than the other compensates for this difference in leverage and renders the touch substantially the same for each key.

In addition the keys which actuate two punch-es would have a heavier touch than those which only actuate one punch. In order to compensate for this difference heavier return springs may be tted to those keys which actuate only one punch.

The above punch operating mechanism has been described as constructed for punching sterling amounts involving numbers I to II. It can readly be modified however, to punchv decimal amounts by omitting the I I punch and employing the 9 punch to perform the same functions.

Further, although the machine has been described particularly for use in punching two sets of records, it may also be employed to punch, for example, three sets by providing the parallel bars with three positions and employing a punching mechanism adapted to cover one-third of the card longitudinally. In such a case a different coding arrangement of the punches would be necessary.

CII

From the foregoing it will be seen that the invention includes a record-forming machine comprising means for displacing the card laterally to one of two or more positions combined with means acting freely on the rear edge of the card to push it step b-y step under the record-forming elements. Although the invention has been particularly described in connection with a machine for punching records on cards, the record-forming elements may be arranged to print spots on the card or to form records of any other` character.

What we claim is:

1. A machine for producing records on statistical cards comprising a set of record forming elements, a pair of parallel bars fixed longitudinally between which a card can be disposed, means for feeding the card step by step between the bars and under the record forming elements, transverse racks provided on the bars, a rotatable shaft, pinions mounted on said shaft and engaging in said racks, stops against which the parallel bars abut in each position in which a card is presented for receiving a record, and an operative connection between said shaft and each of said pinions, said operative connection permitting a small amount of play, whereby one of said racks can move slightly'relatively to the other when the parallel bars are moved against the stops.

, 2. A machine for producing records on statistical cards comprising a set of record forming elements, a pair of parallel bars fixed longitudinally between which a card can be disposed, means for feeding the card step by step between the bars beneath the record forming elements, transverse racks provided on the bars, pinions engaging in said racks and means for rotating said pinions to move the bars laterally to one of a number of positions, to position the card to be operated on in a different longitudinal section in accordance with the position of the parallel bars, stops against which the parallel bars abut in each position in which a card is presented for receiving a record, a rotatable shaft on which the pinions are loosely mounted, springs acting on said pinions near the periphery thereof to act as a toggle to throw the bars over against said stops, dogs on the shaft and dogs on the pinions engaging said rst mentioned dogs with a small amount of play so that one rack can move slightly relatively to the other when the parallel bars are moved against the stops. f

3. A key operated machine for producing records in code on statistical cards comprising a plurality of normal record forming elements, means for displacing a card laterally to one of two or more positions and means for pushing said card step by step under the record forming elements, a key operatively connected to each of said normal record forming elements, one or more additional keys to each of said elements, each of said keys being also adapted to operate its associated element, one or more additional record forming elements and operative connections between the additional keys and the additional record forming elements such that depression of certain keys operates the associated normal reco-rd forming elements alone while depression of other keys operates the associated normal 'record forming elements together with one or other or all of the additional record forming elements in accordance with the code employed.

4. A key operated machine for producing records in code on statistical cards comprising a plurality of normal record forming elements,

means for moving a card laterally to one of two or more positions, means for pushing said card step by step under the record forming elements, a pair of key levers to each normal rec-ord forming element, each of said key levers being adapted to operate the associated normal record forming element, an additional record forming element, and an operative connection between said additional record forming element and one key lever of each pair whereby actuation of one key lever of each pair operates the associated normal record forming element alone whereas actuation of the other key lever of the pair operates the associated normal record forming element together with the additional record forming element.

5. A key operated machine for producing records in code on statistical cards comprising a plurality of normal record forming elements, means for moving a card laterally to one of two or more positions, means for pushing said card step by step under the record fo-rming elements, an additional record forming element or shaft, a pair of key levers to each normal record forming element, each of said key levers being freely mounted on the shaft and adapted to operate the associated normal record forming element, an operative connection between the shaft and the additional record forming element, a plurality of collars secured to the shaft each collar having an abutment, there being one collar to each pair of key levers, and a projection on one key lever of each pair, said projection engaging with the abutment on the associated collar, whereby actuation of one key of a pair operates the associated normal record forming element alone, whereas actuation of the other key of the pair operates the associated normal record forming element and also the additional record forming element through the agency of the associated collar and the shaft.

6. A key operated machine for producing records in code on statistical cards comprising a plurality of normal record forming elements, means for moving a card laterally to one or more of two positions, means for pushing said card step by step under the record forming elements, a pair of key levers to each normal record forming element, an actuating lever for each normal record forming element, one end of said actuating lever pivoting freely about a support while projections on each key lever of the associated pair abut on the actuating lever adjacent its other end, said actuating lever bearing on the associated record forming element at a point between the ends of said actuating lever, whereby actuation of either key lever of a pair operates the associated record forming element, an additional record forming element, and an operative connection between said additional record forming element and one key lever of each pair whereby actuation of onev key lever of each pair operates the associated normal record forming element alone, whereas actuation of the other key lever of the pair operates the associated normal record forming element together with the additional record forming element.

'7. A key operated machine according to claim 6 for producing records in code on statistical cards wherein the key levers are of different lengths and the projections on the shorter key levers abut on the associated actuating lever at a point nearer the associated record forming element than the point at which the projections on the longer key levers abut on said actuating lever whereby difference in leverage is' compensated for and the keys offer uniform resistance to depression.

8. A key operated machine according to claim 6 for producing records in code on statistical cards 5 wherein each key lever is returned to normal position by a spring and the springs for the key levers which are adapted to actuate one record forming element are stronger than the springs for the key levers adapted to actuate two record forming elements.

CHARLES WILFRED GREGORY. FRANCIS GUY SYDENHAM ENGLISH. 

